Based on data collected from field experiments, a comprehensive model was built on the Ithink (a registered trademark of iSee Systems) platform to simulate the dynamics of water and nitrogen, and crop performance in the winter wheat-summer maize double cropping system of the North China plain. The model, consisting of seven sub models, i.e. weather generator, phenology, biomass, dry matter partitioning, water balance, nitrogen balance, and nitrogen absorption and partitioning, well reflects water and nitrogen use and their relationship with crop yield under field conditions.

A vertical water movement equation is employed in the water balance sub model to account for movement between layers. Crop transpiration and soil evaporation are simulated separately according to potential evaporation, crop cover and a soil water deficit coefficient. Soil evaporation is from the surface layer only while crop transpiration comprises the total amount of water absorbed by the root system from all soil layers.

The model considers that nitrogen transformations, transfers and uptake are fulfilled by root systems. Transformation of nitrogen as mineralization, fixation and denitrification are responsive to soil moisture and temperature. Nitrogen movement is simulated with a convection-dispersion equation with nitrate as the soil solute. Nitrogen absorption and partitioning sub model includes the effects of water and nitrogen supply, crop nitrogen demand and nitrogen content in various crop organs. The model can be used to simulate crop yield, water-and nitrogen-use efficiencies and water-nitrogen leaching to specific soil layers in different water and nitrogen management practices.